Prayer Shawl Ministry reaches gift milestone

GOSHEN — The Prayer Shawl Ministry at the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen recently presented its 500th shawl to Heather Johnson of Goshen.

GOSHEN — The Prayer Shawl Ministry at the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen recently presented its 500th shawl to Heather Johnson of Goshen.

The Shawl Ministry has been making and giving crocheted shawls, lap robes and baby blankets for the past 30 months. Recently, when church member Curtis Johnson of Goshen deployed to Afghanistan, the group "adopted" his Army National Guard unit, the 827th Engineer Company of Walton, and decided to make red, white and blue shawls for each of the wives, mothers or girlfriends that would be waiting for their safe return.

Along with the shawls, a folder with several prayers was given to each woman.

Shawls from this ministry have traveled to more than 20 states, and as far as London, England, and parts of Canada and Mexico.

They are made for many reasons: for a celebration such as a wedding, the birth of a child, for someone suffering from grief or healing from a medical condition, to help people over a rough patch in their lives, and other reasons.

Most of the yarn is bought by the women in the group, although monetary gift cards and donations of yarn are always greatly appreciated. The group is now looking for red, white and blue yarn so the members can continue making shawls for military families. Donations can be left at the church office at 33 Park Place in Goshen.